MEMBERS of the EIS University Lecturers Association (EIS ULA) have announced a series of one-day strikes as they battle Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) bosses’ cuts plans.

Prin­cipal and vice-chan­cel­lor Mairi Wat­son announced plans last month to axe 100 jobs in a bid to save £10 million, but EIS ULA members responded with a 95 per cent mandate for strike action.

They intend to walkout on June 30, July 1 and 2, August 4, and September 7, 8 and 10, to coincide with graduation ceremonies.

Announcing the strikes, EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said: “Any move to strike action is taken as a last resort, but our members at GCU have been left with no alternative as they seek to fend off the university’s cuts agenda.

“The EIS is offering the university an opportunity to bring the dispute to an end by halting their programme of cuts and ruling out compulsory redundancies.”

EIS ULA branch secretary Dr Nick McKerrell said: “The proposed loss of 100 jobs at GCU and senior management’s refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies has provoked fury across campus. 

“On top of that a costed plan put forward by trade unions to avoid these cuts was rejected out of hand.

“This intransigence is so frustrating as GCU has significant cash reserves of £95m.”

He added: “We have received great support from our students in our campaign against redundancies. 

“On a day to celebrate their academic achievements we hope that they, along with their family and friends, will show support for their lecturers who helped them get to the point of graduation.

“The EIS voice will be loud and clear on these strike days — stop these needless cuts and save the 100.”

GCU was contacted for comment.